Last Updated on September 29, 2020 by Cass County Community Foundation
SOURCE: News release from Cass County Community Foundation
The Cass County Community Foundation held a press conference and reception to announce the recipients of the 2020 CCCF Community Grant Awards on September 29, 2020 at the foundation office, 729 E. Market Street. Attendees included representatives of the recipient organizations, as well as donors, board members, volunteers, and members of the media. This year, grants awarded to five organizations is a record totaling $151,975.
Deanna Crispen, President & CEO shared, “The total grant dollars awarded is once again more than the Board of Directors had originally allocated. The grants committee began their work thinking they had $150,000 but the proposals selected were so strong and important to the community that Grants Committee Chairman, Mike Shannon was asked to go back to the board with a recommendation that included additional funding.”
The Board, after reviewing the committee recommendation, was unanimous in increasing the funds available.
Mike Shannon explained, “As a committee, and especially after interviewing the organizations about their projects, we felt that we could justify the additional support from the Board of Directors. The impact that these five organizations will be able to create with our funding will be lasting and provide services and amenities for many years to come.”
Organizations are required to first send a letter expressing their desire to apply and briefly explain their project and costs. After the initial letters were evaluated, organizations moving forward in the process were invited to submit full proposals. Finally, each organization was invited to make a brief presentation before the committee to explain further and answer any questions the committee might still have about their proposal. Funding for community grants is made available through the generosity of donors to CCCF’s unrestricted community endowments.
The following is a list of the 2020 Community Grant Award recipients and their projects:
2020 Grant Cycle Award Recommendations are:
• The Salvation Army- $18,000 for a pavilion
•Cass County 4H Association—$35,000 for a new septic system.
• State Theatre Preservation Society-$20,340 for new HVAC Equipment.
• Lewis Cass Alumni Association-$17,500 in matching funds to support construction of a community pavilion
• Cass County Historical Society-$61,135 for flooring throughout the first floor of the new museum building.
In addition to the competitive grants, the Foundation also made Opportunity Grants awards to four organizations. Opportunity Grants are for projects less than $5,000.
The following grants were awarded:
•Panhandle Pathway received $3,495 for blowers, tree trimers, mower blades, and forks that attach to their utility tractor,
•The Salvation Army received $3,000 to start a personal hygiene pantry.
•The State Theatre Preservation Society was awarded $4,817.94 to upgrade the restrooms in the facility making them touch-free including soap, sinks, and doors.
•Camelot Foundation received $5,000 to complete the Playground project.
Total awards for 2020 Opportunity Grants are $16,312.94.
Total grants for both programs: $168,287.94.
For more information, please call the Cass County Community Foundation at 574-722-2200